Conjunctions in English Grammar
Definition: A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence. It helps to join ideas and makes the sentence flow better. There are different types of conjunctions, and each type has its own function in the sentence.
Types of Conjunctions:
- Coordinating Conjunctions
- Subordinating Conjunctions
- Correlative Conjunctions
1. Coordinating Conjunctions
Definition: Coordinating conjunctions are used to connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance or similar structure. There are seven main coordinating conjunctions, often remembered by the acronym FANBOYS:
- F for For
- A for And
- N for Nor
- B for But
- O for Or
- Y for Yet
- S for So
Examples:
-
I like tea, and she likes coffee.
- The conjunction "and" connects two related ideas: "I like tea" and "she likes coffee."
-
I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining.
- The conjunction "but" connects two opposite ideas: "I wanted to go for a walk" and "it started raining."
-
You can have either coffee or tea.
- The conjunction "or" shows a choice between two options: "coffee" or "tea."
-
He studied hard, so he passed the exam.
- The conjunction "so" shows cause and effect: "He studied hard" and "he passed the exam."
-
She neither sang nor danced at the party.
- The conjunction "nor" connects two negative actions: "She neither sang" and "she did not dance."
2. Subordinating Conjunctions
Definition: Subordinating conjunctions are used to connect an independent clause (a complete sentence) with a dependent clause (a part of a sentence that cannot stand alone). These conjunctions show the relationship between the two clauses.
Examples:
-
I stayed home because it was raining.
- The conjunction "because" connects the reason ("it was raining") with the main action ("I stayed home").
-
Although she was tired, she continued studying.
- The conjunction "although" connects a contrast: "she was tired" and "she continued studying."
-
If you study hard, you will pass the test.
- The conjunction "if" shows a condition: "If you study hard," then "you will pass the test."
-
When I was young, I used to play outside every day.
- The conjunction "when" connects the time ("When I was young") with the main action ("I used to play outside every day").
-
She passed the exam even though she didn't study much.
- The conjunction "even though" shows contrast: "She passed the exam" despite the fact that "she didn't study much."
3. Correlative Conjunctions
Definition: Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are of equal importance. The most common correlative conjunctions are: either...or, neither...nor, both...and, not only...but also, and whether...or.
Examples:
-
You can either go to the library or stay at home.
- The correlative conjunction "either...or" gives two choices: "go to the library" or "stay at home."
-
Neither the teacher nor the students were happy with the results.
- The correlative conjunction "neither...nor" shows two negative ideas: "Neither the teacher" and "the students were happy."
-
Both my brother and my sister love reading books.
- The correlative conjunction "both...and" connects two positive ideas: "my brother" and "my sister love reading books."
-
Not only did she finish her homework, but she also helped me with mine.
- The correlative conjunction "not only...but also" emphasizes two actions: "She finished her homework" and "she helped me."
-
Whether you agree or not, the decision has been made.
- The correlative conjunction "whether...or" shows a situation where both options (agree or not) are possible.
Importance of Conjunctions:
- Conjunctions help in joining different parts of a sentence, making it easier to understand the relationship between ideas.
- They make sentences less choppy and more fluent by linking ideas smoothly.
- Conjunctions can show contrast, cause and effect, condition, and time.
Quick Recap:
- Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) link ideas of equal importance.
- Subordinating conjunctions link an independent clause with a dependent clause.
- Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to link related ideas.
Conjunctions are essential for clear communication, helping to express thoughts in a well-structured way.
50 MCQs for PAF Airman Test:
-
She likes to read, ________ she doesn’t have much time.
a) and
b) but
c) or
d) so -
He is good at basketball, ________ he is not very tall.
a) and
b) because
c) but
d) for -
I will go to the store ________ I finish my homework.
a) after
b) before
c) although
d) unless -
You can either have tea ________ coffee.
a) and
b) or
c) but
d) yet -
I didn’t like the movie, ________ I stayed till the end.
a) so
b) for
c) yet
d) and -
I will visit you tomorrow ________ I feel better.
a) unless
b) if
c) because
d) although -
______ he is not very good at math, he enjoys solving problems.
a) Though
b) Because
c) If
d) But -
She wanted to go swimming, ________ it was too cold outside.
a) although
b) because
c) and
d) but -
I don’t like this color, ________ I will choose another one.
a) so
b) and
c) or
d) but -
We’ll go hiking ________ it stops raining.
a) unless
b) if
c) but
d) or -
______ I knew her name, I couldn’t remember where I met her.
a) If
b) Because
c) Although
d) But -
He studied hard ________ he passed the exam.
a) so
b) and
c) because
d) for -
I like both apples ________ bananas.
a) and
b) but
c) or
d) so -
______ it was raining, they went for a walk.
a) Although
b) But
c) Because
d) Unless -
I will go ________ my brother goes.
a) if
b) unless
c) until
d) and -
I have ________ finished my homework.
a) already
b) before
c) and
d) but -
He is very talented, ________ he is also humble.
a) and
b) but
c) so
d) yet -
She went to bed early ________ she had an important exam the next day.
a) although
b) because
c) if
d) or -
I can’t go to the party ________ I have to finish my project.
a) because
b) but
c) although
d) so -
I don’t like tennis, ________ my brother loves it.
a) yet
b) and
c) because
d) so -
We will not go out ________ it’s sunny.
a) if
b) unless
c) until
d) but -
She likes chocolate, ________ she doesn’t like ice cream.
a) and
b) but
c) so
d) for -
I will call you ________ I arrive.
a) if
b) when
c) but
d) although -
He neither likes dogs ________ cats.
a) or
b) nor
c) and
d) yet -
She is going to the gym ________ she wants to stay fit.
a) although
b) because
c) but
d) so -
______ you study, you will pass the test.
a) Unless
b) If
c) Though
d) But -
He is an excellent player ________ he doesn’t like to play much.
a) so
b) and
c) but
d) or -
______ you clean your room, you can go outside to play.
a) If
b) But
c) Although
d) Or -
I will go to the park, ________ it is a beautiful day.
a) because
b) so
c) if
d) unless -
We didn’t see the movie, ________ we had already read the book.
a) but
b) because
c) and
d) yet -
I will stay home ________ I am not feeling well.
a) unless
b) if
c) though
d) and -
We both like to travel, ________ we don’t have enough money.
a) and
b) but
c) or
d) so -
I need to study, ________ I have a test tomorrow.
a) for
b) but
c) and
d) so -
He was late ________ he missed the bus.
a) and
b) because
c) or
d) but -
______ you complete your work, you will get a reward.
a) Unless
b) If
c) Although
d) Yet -
She didn’t like the dress, ________ she bought it.
a) but
b) because
c) and
d) yet -
I want to play the guitar, ________ I don’t have one.
a) but
b) because
c) so
d) or -
He will not attend the meeting ________ he finishes his report.
a) unless
b) if
c) and
d) yet -
We enjoyed the movie, ________ we felt the ending was too predictable.
a) yet
b) and
c) so
d) but -
She doesn’t like pasta, ________ she likes pizza.
a) but
b) or
c) and
d) for -
I’ll go to the beach ________ it doesn’t rain.
a) unless
b) if
c) because
d) or -
He hasn’t finished his homework, ________ he hasn’t gone to bed yet.
a) and
b) or
c) but
d) so -
______ you like it or not, you have to do your chores.
a) Whether
b) If
c) Because
d) Though -
He was tired, ________ he kept working.
a) and
b) yet
c) because
d) so -
I’m going to the party ________ I finish my homework.
a) unless
b) when
c) before
d) after -
She neither accepted the invitation ________ she rejected it.
a) or
b) nor
c) and
d) yet -
I would go to the concert, ________ I have no tickets.
a) but
b) because
c) so
d) and -
He sings well, ________ he plays the guitar excellently.
a) and
b) but
c) for
d) or -
The movie was boring, ________ I left early.
a) so
b) because
c) although
d) yet -
We will not be late ________ we hurry up.
a) unless
b) if
c) unless
d) until
Answers:
- b) but
- c) but
- a) after
- b) or
- c) yet
- b) if
- a) Though
- a) although
- d) but
- b) if
- c) Although
- a) so
- a) and
- a) Although
- a) if
- a) already
- a) and
- b) because
- a) because
- a) yet
- b) unless
- b) but
- b) when
- b) nor
- b) because
- b) If
- c) but
- a) If
- a) because
- b) because
- a) unless
- b) but
- d) so
- b) because
- b) If
- d) yet
- a) but
- a) unless
- d) but
- a) but
- a) unless
- a) and
- a) Whether
- b) yet
- d) after
- b) nor
- a) but
- a) and
- a) so
- b) if